Modern football relies heavily on left-backs to bridge the gap between offence and defence. Dynamic players that can create or score goals, defend stoutly, and contribute to build-up play have emerged as a result of this role’s growth. A number of left-backs have distinguished themselves in the 2024–25 season by their club and international performances, demonstrating their significance in some of the most important games.
Based on their current form, attacking contributions, defensive prowess, and influence on their teams, this list ranks the top ten left-backs in the world right now, ranging from seasoned veterans to up-and-coming talents. These players have proven to be invaluable contributors to their clubs and nations, whether it is through goals, assists, or just plain defensive prowess.
10. Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal
Before his tragic injury, Riccardo Calafiori was among the Premier League’s top left-backs, and he has been a reliable player for Arsenal. Even though he has only managed one goal this season, it came against Manchester City in an important match for Arsenal. His significance to Mikel Arteta’s system was highlighted by his performance that day.
This season’s attacking numbers are one goal and one assist.
9. Marc Cucurella (Spain/Chelsea)
Marc Cucurella, who was a hero for Spain during their winning UEFA Euro campaign, has continued to play well for Chelsea. Football commentators like Gary Neville have criticised Cucurella for his lack of effect at Stamford Bridge, yet he still performs well in both attacking and defensive positions. He is a great asset to the Blues because of his work ethic, perseverance, and aggression.
This season’s attacking stats are 22 games, 2 goals, and 2 assists.
8. Scotland’s Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Andrew Robertson is still a vital member of Liverpool and one of the league’s top left-backs, even though he may not be playing at his best right now. Robertson, who has the most assists by a left-back in Premier League history, is renowned for his amazing crossing skills and unwavering energy. On the field, his leadership and experience are unparalleled.
This season’s attacking stats: 1 assist.
7. Italy’s Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)
Destiny Udogie has been a revelation in his second season with Tottenham following his pivotal transfer from Udinese. He can go forward and support the attack while keeping his defensive stability thanks to Tottenham’s approach. He is now out due to a hamstring injury, though, and is anticipated to return by the end of February.
This season’s attacking stats: two goals.
6. Federico Dimarco of Italy’s Inter Milan
Federico Dimarco has established himself as a top-tier left-back at the age of 27. Dimarco’s consistency since joining Inter Milan in the 2021–2022 season has been impressive. Dimarco, a key member of Inter’s Serie A-winning squad from the previous season, blends attacking flair with defensive dependability. His technical prowess was demonstrated in November when he scored an incredible long-range goal against Frosinone.
This season’s attacking stats are 3 goals and 4 assists.
5. Alphonso Davies, a Canadian from Bayern Munich
Alphonso Davies, one of North America’s greatest football exports, has established himself as one of the world’s top left-backs thanks to his lightning-fast speed and superb dribbling skills. He has already won five Bundesliga titles and a Champions League cup with Bayern Munich at the young age of 23. Real Madrid and Chelsea are allegedly interested in Davies as he approaches the last year of his Bayern deal.
This season’s attacking numbers are 1 goal and 3 assists.
4. Barcelona, Spain’s Alejandro Balde
Alejandro Balde has already established himself as a vital member of every team he has worked for, despite his youth. He missed Spain’s Euro 2024 squad due to a hamstring injury in January, but there is no denying his influence on Barcelona’s starting lineup. Balde has reverted to his incredible 2022–23 form under the direction of new coach Hansi Flick, displaying his defensive prowess and dribbling skills.
This season’s attacking numbers are 1 goal and 4 assists.
3. Theo Hernández (France/AC Milan)
Theo Hernández, one of Europe’s best defenders, is known for his excellent overlapping play and raiding runs. His ability to complement attacks and his defensive solidity make him a valuable component of AC Milan. Hernández is still a vital part of Milan’s offensive strategy under Stefano Pioli, having scored nine goals in the league the previous season.
The attacking figures for this season are three goals and four assists.
2. Joško Gvardiol of Manchester City/Croatia
Joško Gvardiol, who was made the second-most expensive defender in history by Manchester City, has shown to be worth the cost. Gvardiol, who is only 22 years old, excels as a left-back and centre-back by fusing his physical presence with exceptional positional awareness. He has scored four goals during Manchester City’s Premier League campaign, demonstrating his strong attacking contributions this season.
This season’s attacking stats: 4 goals.
1. Bayer Leverkusen/Spain’s Álex Grimaldo
With Bayer Leverkusen, Álex Grimaldo has had an incredible season and is currently the world’s top left-back. Along with numerous domestic accolades, the Spanish international helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and won Euro 2024. Grimaldo’s contributions in the final third are outstanding, and he is well-known for his ability to cross, master set pieces, and sense for attacking.
With three goals and seven assists this season, he has continued to build on his 12 goals and 17 assists from the previous campaign. Grimaldo’s transfer from Benfica to Leverkusen has solidified his status among the best, even if he has never played senior football in Spain.
This season’s attacking stats are 3 goals and 7 assists.
